Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Finally! Review: The Phule series has had its series of problems. Phule's Company was an excellent book, "soft" SF, certainly, but very well done. Phule's Paradise was all set-up and very little pay-off, even though it was enjoyable to read. A Phule and His Money introduced many interesting ideas, but the authors seemed incapable of doing these ideas justice. But, with Phule Me Twice, we finally return to the unflawed greatness which hasn't been present since the original. This book brings in an interesting conflict by introducing the new CO and XO of Phule's company; two men who are far more conservative in their views of Legion policy. We see how Phule's Company could never possibly work as a regular Legion company; and we understand that its strength is its ability to forego the rigid policies and simply do what makes SENSE, instead of what the book says to do. The Phule series, particullary "Company" and "Twice" are books which are essentially about leadership--and for that reason alone I would highly recommend them.
Rating: ![5 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-5-0.gif) Summary: Finally! Review: The Phule series has had its series of problems. Phule's Company was an excellent book, "soft" SF, certainly, but very well done. Phule's Paradise was all set-up and very little pay-off, even though it was enjoyable to read. A Phule and His Money introduced many interesting ideas, but the authors seemed incapable of doing these ideas justice. But, with Phule Me Twice, we finally return to the unflawed greatness which hasn't been present since the original. This book brings in an interesting conflict by introducing the new CO and XO of Phule's company; two men who are far more conservative in their views of Legion policy. We see how Phule's Company could never possibly work as a regular Legion company; and we understand that its strength is its ability to forego the rigid policies and simply do what makes SENSE, instead of what the book says to do. The Phule series, particullary "Company" and "Twice" are books which are essentially about leadership--and for that reason alone I would highly recommend them.
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: Shame on you! Review: This book was a bit of a disappointment. While still entertaining, it doesn't have the cleverness of the previous books in the series, and unfortunately it leaves many major plot points unresolved. What happened to the kidnappers? Does the disappearance of the robot cause any problems on Lorelei? Does anything amusing happen in the resolution of the bet set up in the early pages of the book? Does the general carry through on his threat to set unreasonable mission objectives? We never find out.Further, the plot revolves almost entirely around the Company members-- there's very little of Phule's character in the book. Beeker is similarly absent (and is much more of a sketch than he was in previous books-- it seems his personality has been amputated). Despite these flaws, the book is entertaining, and it's a quick read. But for a fan of this series, it's a real disappointment.
Rating: ![2 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-2-0.gif) Summary: Shame on you! Review: This book was a bit of a disappointment. While still entertaining, it doesn't have the cleverness of the previous books in the series, and unfortunately it leaves many major plot points unresolved. What happened to the kidnappers? Does the disappearance of the robot cause any problems on Lorelei? Does anything amusing happen in the resolution of the bet set up in the early pages of the book? Does the general carry through on his threat to set unreasonable mission objectives? We never find out. Further, the plot revolves almost entirely around the Company members-- there's very little of Phule's character in the book. Beeker is similarly absent (and is much more of a sketch than he was in previous books-- it seems his personality has been amputated). Despite these flaws, the book is entertaining, and it's a quick read. But for a fan of this series, it's a real disappointment.
Rating: ![1 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-1-0.gif) Summary: Shame on you Review: Well, count me among those who say Asprin didn't have anything to do with Phule me Twice, or book three. I suffered through them though, they had a moment or two, but it was few and far between. Not that Heck isn't a decent writer, but he has almost no sense of humor. Summary Book three, this fool and his money were easily parted. Shame on me. Book four, fooled me twice. Shame on you.
Rating: ![4 stars](http://www.reviewfocus.com/images/stars-4-0.gif) Summary: Picks Up the Series - Promising! Review: Well, first of all, this book betters the series from the last one. An important point if you are planning on following along. In the world of SF, this is the "screwball comedy" of the genre. Cpt. Phule and the Omega bunch get a new assignment, something they can really sink their teeth into, they are working for the Zenobians now, those delightful little reptiles with an appreciation for anyone who "goes all out only for their friends". Phule's been recognized by the State department and so he gets the assignment when the Zenobians specifically request his outfit. The fun starts because Phule's higher ups don't want him to succeed again, and plot a convincing method of bringing him down with a crash. And previous elements of the series all conspire to deliver surprises for everyone. A fun read, doesn't do the expected, and really begins to recapture the humor and characters of the first two books. In particular, the slowness of the previous book is gone and new recruits in that book are already proving their worth in this one. If you want light SF reading that makes you smile, go for this book.
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